Principal Engineer (Civil & Structural

Principal Design Engineer – Civils & Structures

Location:

Pontyclun, South Wales

Region:
Wales & Western

Sector:
Rail & Civils & Structures

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Design Engineer to play a pivotal role in the expansion of our Civil & Structural Design business within our thriving Wales & Western region.

As part of our continued growth and investment, we are establishing a new Civils & Structures Permanent Works Design presence in Pontyclun, creating a regional hub that will support a growing portfolio of rail and infrastructure projects across South Wales and the wider Wales & Western network. This is a unique opportunity to lead the development of a new design office location, build and mentor a high-performing team, and help shape the future direction of our design capability in the South.

• Competitive salary, negotiable depending on experience
• Company car or car allowance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service up to 28 days
• 3 additional charity days per year
• A day off when your child starts school
• A day off for house relocation
• Company contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Medicash Health Cash Plan and employee rewards
• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities
• Clear routes for career progression
• A supportive, inclusive and collaborative working environment
• Employee forums and engagement channels to ensure your voice is heard

Following the successful award of several long-term framework agreements with major rail and infrastructure clients, we continue to invest in and expand our in-house Civil & Structural Design capability.

Our team delivers multidisciplinary engineering solutions across CP7 frameworks, asset management contracts, infrastructure renewals, enhancement projects, and tendered schemes. Due to continued growth across the Wales & Western region, we are now establishing a dedicated design presence in Pontyclun to further support our clients and strengthen our regional delivery capability.

• Bridge reconstruction, refurbishment and replacement schemes
• Infrastructure renewals and enhancement projects
• Station improvement works, including accessibility and platform schemes
• Civil and structural asset management
• Footbridges, tunnels, retaining structures and associated rail infrastructure

As Principal Design Engineer, you will lead the development and operation of our new Pontyclun-based design team, providing technical leadership and management across a diverse portfolio of civils and structures projects.

Working closely with Operational Directors, the Head of Design and key client stakeholders, you will be responsible for establishing and growing the regional design capability while ensuring the successful delivery of engineering solutions that meet quality, programme and commercial objectives.

This role offers the opportunity to combine technical excellence with leadership responsibility, influencing both project outcomes and long-term business growth.

• Lead and develop the new Civils & Structures Permanent Works Design capability in Pontyclun
• Provide technical leadership and guidance across a variety of rail and infrastructure projects
• Manage and coordinate engineering resources, programmes and budgets
• Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations, Network Rail standards and industry best practice
• Develop project briefs and drive innovative engineering solutions from concept through to detailed design
• Establish design philosophies and maintain robust governance and documentation processes
• Review and approve design deliverables, risk assessments and technical submissions
• Represent the business in client, stakeholder and framework meetings
• Support business growth, recruitment and succession planning activities within the region
• Lead, mentor and develop engineers and designers through coaching, career development and performance management
• Collaborate with the Head of Design on departmental strategy, resource planning and continuous improvement initiatives
• Promote a culture of safety, innovation,…